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US11066035B2 - Airbag module and method for mounting an airbag module - Google Patents

Airbag module and method for mounting an airbag module Download PDF

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Publication number
US11066035B2
US11066035B2 US16/486,512 US201816486512A US11066035B2 US 11066035 B2 US11066035 B2 US 11066035B2 US 201816486512 A US201816486512 A US 201816486512A US 11066035 B2 US11066035 B2 US 11066035B2
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US
United States
Prior art keywords
housing
fixation
airbag
airbag module
lug
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active, expires
Application number
US16/486,512
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English (en)
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US20200047701A1 (en
Inventor
Daniel Elija
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
ZF Automotive Germany GmbH
Original Assignee
TRW Automotive GmbH
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by TRW Automotive GmbH filed Critical TRW Automotive GmbH
Assigned to TRW AUTOMOTIVE GMBH reassignment TRW AUTOMOTIVE GMBH ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: ELIJA, DANIEL
Publication of US20200047701A1 publication Critical patent/US20200047701A1/en
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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R21/00—Arrangements or fittings on vehicles for protecting or preventing injuries to occupants or pedestrians in case of accidents or other traffic risks
    • B60R21/02—Occupant safety arrangements or fittings, e.g. crash pads
    • B60R21/16—Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags
    • B60R21/20—Arrangements for storing inflatable members in their non-use or deflated condition; Arrangement or mounting of air bag modules or components
    • B60R21/217—Inflation fluid source retainers, e.g. reaction canisters; Connection of bags, covers, diffusers or inflation fluid sources therewith or together
    • B60R21/2176—Inflation fluid source retainers, e.g. reaction canisters; Connection of bags, covers, diffusers or inflation fluid sources therewith or together the air bag components being completely enclosed in a soft or semi-rigid housing or cover
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R21/00—Arrangements or fittings on vehicles for protecting or preventing injuries to occupants or pedestrians in case of accidents or other traffic risks
    • B60R21/02—Occupant safety arrangements or fittings, e.g. crash pads
    • B60R21/16—Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags
    • B60R21/20—Arrangements for storing inflatable members in their non-use or deflated condition; Arrangement or mounting of air bag modules or components
    • B60R21/201—Packaging straps or envelopes for inflatable members
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R21/00—Arrangements or fittings on vehicles for protecting or preventing injuries to occupants or pedestrians in case of accidents or other traffic risks
    • B60R21/02—Occupant safety arrangements or fittings, e.g. crash pads
    • B60R21/16—Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags
    • B60R21/23—Inflatable members
    • B60R21/237—Inflatable members characterised by the way they are folded

Definitions

  • the invention relates to an airbag module comprising a housing, a folded airbag and a flexible fixation that fixes the folded airbag on the housing. Moreover, the invention relates to a method of mounting an airbag module.
  • Airbag modules on the one hand, should have a very simple structure and, on the other hand, should ensure a course of deployment of the airbag predetermined within narrow limits upon release.
  • the airbags are typically mounted in a folded state to restrict the space required. It is known from prior art to sheath the folded airbags by means of a shrink hose, for example, and in this manner to maintain them in compact shape which allows defined mounting of the airbag.
  • an airbag module comprising a housing, a folded airbag and a flexible fixation for fixing the folded airbag on the housing.
  • a tensioning device is provided by which the fixation can be brought from an initial state to a tensioned state. In the tensioned state, the tensile stress in the fixation is higher than in the initial state. In this way, a defined tension is provided between the flexible fixation and the airbag, thus causing the airbag to be supported on the housing in a safe and defined manner.
  • the housing preferably is in the form of a cover from the vehicle interior.
  • the housing forms the lower side of the airbag module by which the latter points to the footwell.
  • Low-mounted knee airbag modules are arranged to be covered on the lower side of the instrument panel and, resp., above the driver or passenger footwell.
  • the housing and, resp., the cover advantageously has a tearing line that defines the outlet opening of the airbag during deployment.
  • the fixation is formed of a fabric material.
  • Fabric materials offer the advantage that they may show high strength with low mass and can be inexpensively and easily processed.
  • the tensioning device includes a lug.
  • the lug is provided for adjusting the tensioning means from a first position in which the fixation is in the initial state to a second position, with the fixation being transferred to the tensioned state by adjusting. In doing so, the flexible fixation is stretched by a predetermined distance and a defined tension is produced.
  • the lug may be attached to the housing by means of a hinge so as to provide defined folding of the lug. As the lug can be adjusted by folding from the first position to the second position, the airbag can be fastened quickly and easily to the housing in a defined manner.
  • the fixation is preferably sewn to the lug.
  • a seam provides a safe fastening which can be formed within short time and with a strength adapted to different edge conditions.
  • the lug may include a fastening area provided for fastening the flexible fixation. Depending on the position at which the fixation is attached in said fastening area, a specific tensile stress can be adjusted in the tensioned state in the fixation. In this way, the tension acting between the flexible fixation and the airbag can be easily defined.
  • a seam may be formed of plural seams, which means that the invention is not limited to embodiments having merely one single seam.
  • step c) is performed following the steps a) and b).
  • the airbag module can be mounted within short time, wherein at the same time defined storage of the airbag with a specific tension between the fixation and the airbag is ensured.
  • the fixation was sewn to the housing to safeguard secure fastening of the fixation on the housing which may further be inexpensive and adapted to the requirements.
  • FIG. 1 shows, in a schematic view, an airbag module according to the invention having a fixation in the initial state
  • FIG. 2 shows, in a schematic view, the airbag module from FIG. 1 with the fixation in the tensioned state.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates an airbag module 10 comprising a housing 12 , a flexible fixation 14 fastened to the housing 12 , a folded airbag 16 and an inflator 18 which provides gas for filling the airbag 16 in a case of release.
  • the folded airbag 16 and the inflator 18 are arranged between the housing 12 and the flexible fixation 14 and are fastened to the housing 12 by means of the fixation 14 .
  • the inflator 18 has a fastening bolt 20 which is arranged opposite to the housing 12 and protrudes from the flexible fixation 14 .
  • the fastening bolt 20 can be arranged at a different position, especially opposite to the flexible fixation 14 , and/or may be guided out of the housing 12 .
  • the fastening bolt 20 may be provided for connecting the airbag module 10 to a device, especially a vehicle, which is configured to control the airbag module 10 and, resp., the inflator 18 .
  • the housing 12 comprises a cover 22 having a tensioning device 24 which is arranged on a side of the cover 22 .
  • the tensioning device 24 comprises a lug 26 having a first end 28 , an opposite second end 30 as well as a fastening area 32 disposed between the first and second ends 28 , 30 .
  • the second end 30 includes a hinge 34 by means of which the lug 26 is pivoted to the cover 22 .
  • the housing 12 further includes a wing 36 which is provided on the cover 22 opposite to the tensioning device 24 and which projects from the cover 22 at an angle ⁇ of about 45°.
  • the angle ⁇ may be of any size.
  • the wing 36 is designed to be stiff. In an alternative embodiment, the wing 36 may be pivoted to the cover 22 and/or may be flexible.
  • the folded airbag 16 is arranged, at least in portions, between the wing 36 and the cover 22 .
  • the wing 36 is optional, i.e. in another alternative embodiment the housing 12 may be designed without the wing 36 .
  • the cover 22 has a receiving portion 38 for the airbag 16 and the inflator 18 in which the airbag 16 and the inflator 18 are supported substantially by form closure.
  • the housing 12 is formed integrally, thus causing the cover 22 , the tensioning device 24 and the wing 36 to be integrally connected to each other in the shown embodiment.
  • the hinge 34 is formed by a predetermined bending point within the housing 12 .
  • the flexible fixation 14 includes a first fastening portion 40 and a second opposed fastening portion 42 by means of which the flexible fixation 14 is fastened to the housing 12 .
  • the first fastening portion 40 is fixed on the fastening area 32 of the lug 26 by means of a first seam 44 .
  • the second fastening portion 42 is fixed on the wing 36 by means of a second seam 46 .
  • the flexible fixation 14 may be fixed directly on the cover 22 , especially by a seam, by means of the second fastening portion 42 .
  • the flexible fixation 14 can be fixed, especially by a seam, to the housing 12 on one or both of the sides (not shown) each of which interconnects the first and second fastening portions 40 , 42 .
  • the first and second seams 44 , 46 may merge into each other, thus causing the flexible fixation 14 to be fixed on the housing 12 by one single seam.
  • the flexible fixation 14 is made from flat fabric material.
  • the flexible fixation 14 may be formed by one or more strips or a net made from flexible material.
  • the tensioning device 24 can be adjusted from a first position in which the flexible fixation 14 is in an initial position (see FIG. 1 ) to a second position in which the flexible fixation 14 is in a tensioned state (see FIG. 2 ) by folding the lug 26 by means of the hinge 34 . In doing so, the tensile stress acting between the first and second fastening portions 40 , 42 is higher in the second position than in the first position.
  • the lug 26 When adjusting the tensioning device 24 from the first position to the second position, the lug 26 is pivoted about an angle ⁇ which is larger than 90°.
  • the angle ⁇ may be of any size as long as the required tensile stress is reached in the flexible fixation 14 to provide the desired tension between the flexible fixation 14 and the airbag 16 .
  • the angle ⁇ ranges from 10° to 180°, preferably from 45° to 135°, to ensure easy handling of the tensioning device 24 which permits quick adjustment of the tensioning device 24 from the first position to the second position.
  • the housing 12 includes a stop element 48 which is configured to fix the lug 26 in the second position. In this way, the lug 26 is prevented from inadvertently coming off and the flexible fixation 14 is prevented from loosening.
  • the lug 26 abuts on the housing 12 at least in portions in the second position.
  • the airbag module 10 has an especially compact shape.
  • the tensioning device 24 substantially does not project from the housing 12 , which prevents, for example when handling the airbag module 10 , the lug 26 from being caught on something and prevents the tensioning device 24 from opening.
  • the tensioning device 24 is configured so that the lug 26 can be adjusted to the second position without using any tool, especially by using the lug 26 as a lever.
  • the folded airbag 16 and the inflator 18 are inserted into the housing 12 by appropriately arranging the folded airbag 16 and the inflator 18 in the receiving portion 38 .
  • the flexible fixation 14 is arranged above the receiving portion 38 and is fastened to the housing 12 .
  • the folded airbag 16 is arranged between the fixation 14 and the cover of the housing 12 .
  • the flexible fixation 14 can be fastened to the housing 12 before the folded airbag 16 and/or the inflator 18 is/are inserted, as long as the folded airbag 16 and/or the inflator 18 are ensured to be properly introduced to the housing 12 when the flexible fixation 14 is already fastened on the housing 12 .
  • the first fastening portion 40 is fixed on the fastening area 32 of the lug 26 , with the lug 26 being in the first position.
  • the second fastening portion 42 is fixed on the housing 12 , especially on the wing 36 , opposite to the tensioning device 24 .
  • the tensile stress in the flexible fixation 14 and thus the tension by which the folded airbag 16 is fixed on the housing can be adjusted. Accordingly, the tensile stress between the first and second fastening portions 40 , 42 in the second position is the higher, the smaller the distance of the first fastening portion 40 from the first end 28 of the lug 26 .
  • the first fastening portion 40 may also be fastened at the first end 28 .
  • the first fastening portion 40 may protrude from the first end 28 and/or may be folded at the first end 28 , wherein the distance in said cases becomes correspondingly negative and the tensile stress will further increase.
  • the first fastening portion 40 in these cases may be fastened, for example, on the side of the lug 26 which is arranged opposed to the fastening area 32 .
  • Fastening of the fixation 14 is preferably performed by sewing the fixation 14 to the housing 12 .
  • the fixation 14 may be fastened on the housing 12 by material-locked, positive-locked and/or force-locked.
  • the tensioning device 24 is adjusted from the first position to the second position, thus causing the flexible fixation 14 to be brought into the tensioned state and the folded airbag 16 to be fixed on the housing 12 by means of the flexible fixation 14 while being tensioned in a defined manner.
  • an airbag module 10 having a simple structure and safeguarding defined storage of the folded airbag 16 without any additional fastening devices. Furthermore, the airbag module 10 can be mounted quickly and easily, especially without using any tools, by the method according to the invention, wherein a defined tension can be ensured by the tensioning device 24 .

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Air Bags (AREA)
US16/486,512 2017-02-24 2018-02-07 Airbag module and method for mounting an airbag module Active 2038-03-08 US11066035B2 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102017103827.2 2017-02-24
DE102017103827.2A DE102017103827A1 (de) 2017-02-24 2017-02-24 Gassackmodul und Verfahren zum Montieren eines Gassackmoduls
PCT/EP2018/053018 WO2018153669A1 (de) 2017-02-24 2018-02-07 Gassackmodul und verfahren zum montieren eines gassackmoduls

Publications (2)

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US20200047701A1 US20200047701A1 (en) 2020-02-13
US11066035B2 true US11066035B2 (en) 2021-07-20

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US16/486,512 Active 2038-03-08 US11066035B2 (en) 2017-02-24 2018-02-07 Airbag module and method for mounting an airbag module

Country Status (4)

Country Link
US (1) US11066035B2 (de)
CN (1) CN110325406B (de)
DE (1) DE102017103827A1 (de)
WO (1) WO2018153669A1 (de)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2025207951A1 (en) 2024-03-27 2025-10-02 Livent Lithium USA Lithium-sulfur batteries with prelithiated cathodes

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102020128335A1 (de) 2020-10-28 2022-04-28 Zf Automotive Germany Gmbh Gassackmodul eines Fahrzeuginsassen-Rückhaltesystems
JP7744326B2 (ja) * 2022-11-29 2025-09-25 オートリブ ディベロップメント エービー エアバッグ装置及びエアバッグモジュールの製造方法

Citations (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5820159A (en) 1996-04-27 1998-10-13 Trw Automotive Safety Systems Gmbh Assembly for an airbag module
DE10133968A1 (de) 2001-07-17 2003-02-06 Preh Elektro Feinmechanik Luftsackmodul
US20070064541A1 (en) 2005-09-21 2007-03-22 Timestrip Uk Limited Elapsed time indicator device
US20100314857A1 (en) 2006-12-06 2010-12-16 Gm Global Technology Operations, Inc. Airbag arrangement
US20100327565A1 (en) 2009-06-30 2010-12-30 Gm Global Technology Operations, Inc. Airbag device for a motor vehicle
US20110101657A1 (en) 2009-11-02 2011-05-05 Tk Holdings Inc. Airbag module
DE102009058704A1 (de) 2009-12-17 2011-06-22 GM Global Technology Operations LLC, ( n. d. Ges. d. Staates Delaware ), Mich. Gehäuseloses Airbagmodul
US20130200664A1 (en) * 2012-02-07 2013-08-08 Lear Corporation Vehicle seat side air bag assemlby having strap secured air bag chute
DE202014006709U1 (de) 2014-06-23 2014-10-13 Trw Automotive Gmbh Gassackmodul
US9193324B2 (en) * 2013-06-21 2015-11-24 Tk Holdings Inc. Airbag module and module housing
US20170129443A1 (en) 2014-06-23 2017-05-11 Trw Automotive Gmbh Air bag module
US10384633B2 (en) * 2015-03-12 2019-08-20 Autoliv Development Ab Airbag module and vehicle
US20200290546A1 (en) * 2017-10-06 2020-09-17 Zf Automotive Germany Gmbh Knee airbag unit of a vehicle occupant restraint system of a motor vehicle

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE69517981T2 (de) * 1995-11-07 2000-11-16 Societe Des Produits Nestle S.A., Vevey Scharnierverschluss für einen Behälter
SG118061A1 (en) * 1999-12-14 2006-01-27 Boon Wee Lau A portable and stackable leak-proof container formed from a blank of material
WO2002055345A1 (en) * 2001-01-12 2002-07-18 Toyo Tire & Rubber Co., Ltd. Air bag device
US7478826B2 (en) * 2006-01-19 2009-01-20 Autoliv Asp, Inc. Airbag module flaps

Patent Citations (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5820159A (en) 1996-04-27 1998-10-13 Trw Automotive Safety Systems Gmbh Assembly for an airbag module
DE10133968A1 (de) 2001-07-17 2003-02-06 Preh Elektro Feinmechanik Luftsackmodul
US20070064541A1 (en) 2005-09-21 2007-03-22 Timestrip Uk Limited Elapsed time indicator device
US20100314857A1 (en) 2006-12-06 2010-12-16 Gm Global Technology Operations, Inc. Airbag arrangement
US20100327565A1 (en) 2009-06-30 2010-12-30 Gm Global Technology Operations, Inc. Airbag device for a motor vehicle
US20110101657A1 (en) 2009-11-02 2011-05-05 Tk Holdings Inc. Airbag module
DE102009058704A1 (de) 2009-12-17 2011-06-22 GM Global Technology Operations LLC, ( n. d. Ges. d. Staates Delaware ), Mich. Gehäuseloses Airbagmodul
US20130200664A1 (en) * 2012-02-07 2013-08-08 Lear Corporation Vehicle seat side air bag assemlby having strap secured air bag chute
US9193324B2 (en) * 2013-06-21 2015-11-24 Tk Holdings Inc. Airbag module and module housing
DE202014006709U1 (de) 2014-06-23 2014-10-13 Trw Automotive Gmbh Gassackmodul
US20170129443A1 (en) 2014-06-23 2017-05-11 Trw Automotive Gmbh Air bag module
US10384633B2 (en) * 2015-03-12 2019-08-20 Autoliv Development Ab Airbag module and vehicle
US20200290546A1 (en) * 2017-10-06 2020-09-17 Zf Automotive Germany Gmbh Knee airbag unit of a vehicle occupant restraint system of a motor vehicle

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2025207951A1 (en) 2024-03-27 2025-10-02 Livent Lithium USA Lithium-sulfur batteries with prelithiated cathodes

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CN110325406A (zh) 2019-10-11
WO2018153669A1 (de) 2018-08-30
DE102017103827A1 (de) 2018-08-30
US20200047701A1 (en) 2020-02-13
CN110325406B (zh) 2022-09-30

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